Are you contemplating buying a home in Southwest Missouri?

	Should you have questions regarding this information or if you're prepared to get started, just contact me here or e-mail me at BudJones@budjonesrealty.com.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
Prior to beginning your home search, there are a lot of things you need to take into account. When you start your search, you'll want to create a list of items you want to have, get a plan of what school districts you want to live in, and start planning around your budget. A good rule of thumb to adhere to is that your mortgage payment should be less than or around 30 percent of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Communicate with a real estate agent
This is where I can help. I'd be happy to arrange a time to get together with you and communicate with you about your real estate needs and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about neighborhoods, school districts in the Battlefield area, the mortgage and housing industries, and any additional economic factors that may affect your purchase today or in the future.

I can also assist you with getting started on your loan. Bud Jones Realty.com works with some of the best mortgage professionals in Battlefield, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They will assist you with determining which type of loan is best for you and help you get approved.

Step 3 – Start looking for a home
After our initial meeting, I'll start looking for homes on the market that best suit you. I'll preview most of the houses and ignore the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the houses when it's convenient for you.

As we tour the houses, I'll identify good features, as well as bad ones. And I'll ask you to tell us about things you like and don't like. It's common for buyers to amend their list of must-haves as we view homes and some features become far more essential than others. If that's the situation, I'll search the listings one more time and trim it down to the home you've been waiting for.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
My understanding of the Battlefield market is a fundamental asset in your search. I am familiar with all the schools and neighborhoods, and I will communicate certain districts are "hot" and demand prompt action and the ones that are "cold" and allow for careful analysis.

When we view houses, I'll be sure to tell you when the seller's list price has room for negotiation and also when I know the house is "priced to sell." Trust your instincts and be sure to ask your agent plenty of questions, as every REALTOR^® in Battlefield will claim to truly know the market. If it seems like they don't know everything, call me at 417-268-0283 or e-mail me at BudJones@budjonesrealty.com, and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have. My market knowledge will keep you a step ahead through the entire process.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been looking for
I'm positive we'll find the home of your dreams in the Battlefield area. When we do, I'll precisely develop your purchase offer. The offer will be tailored to suit your needs, including several contingencies, such as obtaining financing, completing the home inspection, and a clean title.

When submitting your purchase offer, you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to buy the property and is often applied to the closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close about 30 to 60 days afterward. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Unfortunately most contracts don't close on the beginning offer. It's really common to receive a counter offer. But don't let this discourage you. We'll discuss whether or not to consent to the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or decline the seller's offer and move on.

Market conditions will play a large role in how aggressively we negotiate the contract. In addition, we'll work within your financing budget. And at the end of the day, we'll create a contract that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
After the contract is finished, you'll begin working with your mortgage lender to close the loan. It won't take long at all if you're pre-approved, but you need to stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. And I'll sort out all the property information your mortgage lender needs to close the loan.

Step 8 – Close the deal
Your mortgage lender will furnish you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of your closing costs within three days of receiving your loan application. You'll get a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining your closing costs from your lender within three days of taking your loan application. The estimate is formed from the loan amount, and RESPA requirements order that it has to involve all closing costs and fall within a precise range of accuracy. I'll review the estimate and let you know if everything looks good.

Then we'll close on your house. This will most likely occur at a title company or escrow office and will probably be a smooth and pleasant affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Congratulations! Now you can move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you need anything, simply contact me at 417-268-0283 or send me an e-mail.